ABDI (MTS) FINNS`OPINIOS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY, NATIONAL DEFENCE AND SECURITY. Bulletins and reports November, 2018

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1 ABDI (MTS) FINNS`OPINIOS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY, NATIONAL DEFENCE AND SECURITY THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR DEFENCE INFORMATION Bulletins and reports November, /

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3 ABDI Bulletins and reports November, / Finn`s opinions on foreign and security policy The Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI) Helsinki

4 Ministry of Defence ISBN Nid.: ---- ISBN PDF: ---- Layout: Government Administration Unit, Publications Helsinki

5 FOREWORD A survey commissioned by the Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI) explored the opinions of Finnish people on Finnish foreign and security policy as well as defence policy. The survey also included questions on factors affecting safety and citizens sense of security, developments over the next five years and factors giving rise to concern. This year s survey also included a new question about the export of defence materiel. The survey consisted of questions in total, one of which was asked for the first time. Commissioned by the ABDI, the survey was carried out by market research company Taloustutkimus Oy. The study was conducted as a part of omnibus research in the form of personal interviews. Interviews were carried out with a total of, individuals. The majority of interviews were conducted at the interviewees homes, while individuals were interviewed in reception halls. The target group of the study comprised the entire population between the ages of and, with the exception of the Åland Islands. The sample was formed by quota sampling in which the target group s quotas were the distribution of age, gender, province and municipality. The interviews were conducted in localities, of which were cities and the remaining other municipality types. The sample was weighted to match the target group. The weighted N values correspond to the population aged to in thousands (SVT December ). The interviews were conducted on September October. The margin of error is ±. percentage points. When interpreting background variables related to party affiliation, it must be taken into account that the margin of error regarding the large parties is smaller, which

6 enables the collection of more reliable information on these when compared to smaller parties whose supporters are numerically fewer in the sample. Party affiliation was ascertained by asking the following question: Which party would you vote for if parliamentary elections were held now? Of all of the respondents, per cent ( persons) revealed their party affiliation, while per cent () declined to do so. In, the corresponding numbers were per cent and per cent. The report comprises a text section with illustrating figures that also present the time sequence of the questions asked in previous surveys. These illustrations were prepared by Taloustutkimus Oy. Some of the questions represent a continuous sequence since. The questions were drawn up by the research and work branches of the ABDI. The research branch compiled the report for the work branch. The data from this survey, like that of the previous surveys, are stored in the Finnish Social Science Data Archive at the University of Tampere ( The ABDI s survey reports are available in Finnish, Swedish and English on the AB- DI s home page ( In Sweden, the Myndighet för Samhällsskydd och Beredskap (MSB) conducts similar surveys. Their most recent report was published in January and can be accessed here: Also in Norway, the Folk og Forsvar conducts annual surveys on security and defence policy; their most recent report was published in August. It can be accessed here: The survey reports published by the ABDI are in the public domain. When referring to them, reference must be made stating that the data come from a survey conducted by the ABDI.

7 Contents Foreword... Introduction... Decrease in will to defend the nation... Personal will to defend the nation remains strong... Support for general conscription has declined from last year... Current general conscription model still viewed as best for Finland s defence system... General civic service sees an increase in popularity... Women less confident in the management of foreign policy... Support for military non-alignment remains unchanged... Increased uncertainty about Finland s NATO membership... Confidence over the future of the European Union remains unchanged... Decrease in sense of insecurity... Finland s participation in Nordic and EU defence cooperation increases the security of Finland and Finns... The European Union, the UN and the OSCE have positive effects on Finland s security... Decreased confidence in the management of defence policy... Support for export of defence materiel under current regulations... Finland s defence cooperation viewed positively... Military situation in Finland s surroundings not expected to change... Decline in support for increased defence appropriations... Climate change, international terrorism and the global refugee situation cause the greatest concern... Research Branch of ABDI in... Branch-specific... Chairs of the ABDI... Secretariat of the ABDI...

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9 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Introduction The ABDI s opinion survey for reveals changes in the answers to many questions compared to the previous year. When it comes to certain questions, the changes are quite significant. This survey does not speculate on the causes of the changes. Future surveys will reveal the direction of development of the changes that are now visible. In this year s survey, two thirds of respondents or per cent gave a positive answer concerning the will to defend the nation. This represents a decrease of six per cent compared to the previous year. The last time the rate of positive responses fell below per cent was years ago in, when per cent answered the question in the affirmative. The current general conscription system is supported by three quarters of respondents, or per cent. Compared to last year, support has dropped by seven percentage points. The most significant decrease in support could be seen among respondents aged. The last time such a result was obtained was in. For the third time now, the ABDI asked for respondents views on general civic service for both men and women, which could be completed as civil or military service. More than half, or per cent, viewed such a model as positive, while one third had negative views and the rest had no opinion. Since, views on this model have become more positive. Three quarters of respondents, or per cent, feel that defence policy is managed well. Women s confidence in the way defence policy is being managed weakened by eight percentage points compared to last year, while men s confidence remained unchanged.

10 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / A total of per cent have positive views on the handling of foreign policy. Women s confidence in the handling of foreign policy decreased by six per cent compared to last year, while men s confidence remained unchanged. A total of per cent have negative views of Finland s NATO membership, while the corresponding figure for last year was per cent. One fifth of respondents, or per cent, are in favour of Finland joining NATO; a year ago that figure was per cent. One fifth, or per cent, had no opinion on this question, compared to per cent last year. A new question this year concerned exports of defence materiel by Finnish companies. One half of respondents, or per cent, felt that the export of defence materiel should continue in line with the current practices and regulations. Nearly one third of respondents ( per cent) and more than a third of women ( per cent) were in favour of more stringent criteria for granting export permits. Two thirds, or per cent, feel the European Union has a positive effect on Finland s security. The figure for the previous year was per cent. Nearly the same number of respondents, or per cent, feel the UN has a positive effect on Finland s security, compared to per cent last year. The greatest cause for concern among respondents was climate change, with nine out of ten respondents now expressing concern, compared with per cent last year.

11 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Decrease in will to defend the nation Two thirds of respondents, or per cent ( in ), feel that if Finland is attacked, Finns must defend themselves by military means in all situations, even if the outcome is uncertain. This view was expressed by per cent () of men and per cent () of women. Among respondents younger than years of age, per cent ( in ) held this view, compared with per cent () of -year-olds, per cent () of -year-olds and per cent () of -year-olds. Eighty percent ( in ) of Centre Party supporters answered this question in the affirmative, as did per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, () of Left Alliance supporters and per cent () of Green Party supporters. A total of per cent ( in ) of respondents answered the question in the negative, or per cent () of women and per cent () of men. Thirty-eight per cent of respondents under years of age ( in ) held this view, along with per cent () of -year-olds, per cent () of -year-olds and per cent () of -year-olds. Forty-nine per cent of Green Party supporters answered in the negative ( in ), as did per cent of Left Alliance supporters (), per cent of Coalition Party supporters (), per cent of Finns Party and SDP supporters ( and, respectively) and per cent of Centre Party supporters (). A total of per cent ( in ), or per cent () of women and eight per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figures and )

12 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure A and B: The will to defend the nation "If Finland were attacked, should Finns, in your opinion, take up arms to defendthemselves in all situations, even if the outcome seemed uncertain?" Yes -answers Whole population Women Men Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Yes -answers Whole population Under years - years Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

13 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Personal will to defend the nation remains strong When asked Would you be ready to take part in national defence duties to the best of your abilities? eighty-four per cent ( in ) answered in the affirmative, or per cent () of men and per cent () of women. A total of ten per cent ( in ) answered in the negative, with per cent () of women and seven per cent () of men expressing this view. Six per cent () had no opinion. (Figures and ) Support for general conscription has declined from last year The current system of general conscription for men enjoys support from three quarters or per cent ( in ) of respondents, or per cent () of women and per cent () of men. Eighty-four per cent () of those over years of age feel this way, as do per cent () of those between and, per cent () of those between and and per cent () of respondents between and. Ninety-one percent ( in ) of Centre Party supporters answered this question in the affirmative, along with per cent ( and, respectively) of SDP and Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters and per cent () of Green Party supporters. When asked if they would be in favour of more selective military service, per cent answered in the affirmative ( in ), or per cent () of men and per cent () of women. Of those younger than years of age, per cent () support this model, as do per cent () of -year-olds, per cent () of -year-olds and seven per cent () of respondents over. Increased selectiveness is supported by per cent ( n ) of Green Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, seven per cent () of Finns Party supporters and three per cent () of Centre Party supporters. Nine per cent ( in ) are in favour of switching to professional armed forces, with per cent () of men and eight per cent () of women taking this view. Support for a professional army was expressed by per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, eleven per cent () of Finns Party supporters, eight per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, six per cent () of Centre Party supporters and three per cent () of SDP supporters. Four per cent ( in ) had no opinion. (Figures and )

14 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure A and B: General conscription conscription"based on a general, compulsory military service for men, Finnish military defence providesmilitary training for as many of the same age group as possible, thus producing a large reserve personnel. Should the current system be retained or should we change over to a selectiveconscript service where only a part of the same age group receives military training? Or should we change over to a professional army?" Retain the current system Whole population Women Men Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Retain the current system Whole population Under years - years Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

15 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Current general conscription model still viewed as best for Finland s defence system For the third time now, interviewees were asked what Finland s defence system should be based on. The alternatives are as follows: ) the present-day system where men are subject to general conscription and women can serve on a voluntary basis; ) general conscription for men and women alike; ) voluntary military service for men and women and ) fully professional armed forces. More than half of respondents, or per cent ( in ), support the current conscription system, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women expressing this view. Of those over years of age, per cent () feel this way, as do per cent () of respondents between and years of age and per cent of both -year-olds and -year-olds ( and, respectively). Of the supporters of the Centre Party, per cent ( in ) are in favour of the current system, along with per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters per cent () of Green Party supporters and per cent () of Left Alliance supporters. Seventeen per cent ( in ) of respondents, or per cent () of women and per cent () of men, support conscription for men and women. The responses to this question did not vary significantly based on age group. Thirty-four per cent of Left Alliance supporters ( in ) are in favour of conscription for men and women, along with per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent of Centre Party and Finns Party supporters ( and, respectively) and per cent () of SDP supporters. Thirteen per cent ( in ) of the respondents feel the best model would be voluntary conscription for men and women alike, with per cent () of women and per cent () of men sharing this opinion. This view was expressed by twenty-one per cent of the Finns Party and Left Alliance supporters ( and, respectively), per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, nine per cent () of Coalition Party supporters and one per cent () of Centre Party supporters.

16 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Eight per cent are in favour of professional armed forces ( in ), or per cent () of men and six per cent () of women. Three per cent of respondents ( in ) had no opinion, or four per cent () of women and one per cent () of men. (Figure ) General civic service sees an increase in popularity In, and, the ABDI asked the following question: How would you feel if Finland switched to general civic service for men and women that could be completed as either civil or military service? More than half of respondents, or per cent ( in ), have favourable views of general civic service, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women answering in the affirmative. Sixty-four per cent of Finns Party and Green Party supporters ( and ) view this idea favourably, along with per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters and per cent of Centre Party and Coalition Party supporters ( and, respectively). One third of respondents, or per cent ( in ), have negative views on this model; the figure was the same for men () and women (). A total of per cent () of Coalition Party supporters expressed negative views, along with per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters and per cent () of Green Party supporters. Thirteen percent ( in ), or per cent () of women and () of men, had no opinion. (Figure ) Women less confident in the management of foreign policy Seventy per cent of the respondents ( in ) think that Finnish foreign policy is managed well, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women taking this view.

17 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Of the supporters of the Coalition Party, per cent () think that Finnish foreign policy is managed well, as do per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters, () of Finns Party supporters and per cent () of Left Alliance supporters. A total of per cent ( in ) feel that Finland s defence policy is poorly managed; per cent () of women and per cent () of men. This view is shared by per cent of Finns Party and Left Alliance supporters ( and, respectively), per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters and per cent () of Coalition supporters. A total of nine per cent ( in ), or per cent () of women and eight per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figures and ) Support for military non-alignment remains unchanged More than half of the respondents, or per cent ( in ), support Finland s military non-alignment, with this view expressed by per cent () of men and per cent () of women. Among respondents older than years of age, per cent ( in ) support military non-alignment, as do per cent () of -year-olds and per cent () of persons under years old. Seventy-one per cent () of SDP supporters support military non-alignment, along with per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters and per cent () of Green Party supporters. One quarter of respondents, or ( in ), support Finland s military non-alignment, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women taking this view. This view is shared by per cent ( in ) of respondents under years of age, per cent () of -year-olds, per cent () of -year olds and per cent () of respondents over years of age.

18 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Thirty-eight per cent () of Green Party supporters support military non-alignment, as do per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters and per cent () of Left Alliance supporters. A total of per cent ( in ), or per cent () of women and ten per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figures and ) Increased uncertainty about Finland s NATO membership When asked if Finland should seek NATO membership, per cent ( in ) answered in the negative, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women expressing this view. Seventy-eight per cent ( in ) of Left Alliance supporters answered in the negative, as did per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters and per cent () of Coalition Party supporters. One fifth of respondents, or per cent ( in ) feel that Finland should seek NATO membership, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women responding in the affirmative. Of the Coalition Party supporters, per cent ( in ) support membership in NATO, as do per cent ( and, respectively) of SDP and Green Party supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Centre Party supporters and six per cent () of Left Alliance supporters. One fifth of respondents, or per cent ( in ) had no opinion, with per cent () of women and per cent () of men taking this view. (Figures and ) Confidence over the future of the European Union remains unchanged The ABDI asked interviewees about their confidence in the future of the European Union in its,, and surveys. This year, more than half of respondents, or per cent ( in ), indicated that their support for the

19 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY European Union had remained unchanged, with per cent () of women and per cent () of men expressing this view. This opinion was shared by per cent ( in ) of Green Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Centre Party supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters and per cent () of Finns Party supporters. One third, or per cent ( in ) of respondents feel that their confidence in the future of the European Union has weakened, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women expressing this opinion. This view is shared by per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Left Alliance supporters, per cent of Centre Party and Coalition Party supporters ( and, respectively), per cent () of SDP supporters and per cent () of Green Party supporters. Four percent ( in ) feel their confidence in the future of the European Union has strengthened, with five per cent () of men and three per cent () of women taking this view. Three per cent ( in ), or four per cent () of women and two per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figure ) Decrease in sense of insecurity Around half of respondents, or per cent ( in ), believe that Finland and Finns will be living in a more insecure world over the next five years when compared to today. This view was held by per cent () of women and per cent () of men. Some differences could be seen between different age groups, with middle-aged and older respondents viewing the future as somewhat less secure than younger ones. A total of per cent () of respondents between and years of age view the future as insecure, as do per cent () of respondents aged years, while per cent () of respondents aged years and per cent () of those younger than expressed this view.

20 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Just under one fifth of respondents, or per cent ( in ) view the future as more secure, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women expressing this view. This view is shared by per cent () of respondents under years of age, per cent () of -year-olds, per cent () of --year olds and per cent () of --year olds Just under one third of respondents, or per cent ( in ) saw no difference compared to the present, with per cent of men () and per cent of women () giving this response. (Figures and ) Finland s participation in Nordic and EU defence cooperation increases the security of Finland and Finns Starting from, the ABDI has asked a question listing different factors for the respondents to assess based on whether they believe that they improve or weaken the security of Finland and the Finnish people or have no effect at all. Factors that are believed to improve security are the following: Finland s participation in Nordic defence cooperation; per cent of respondents ( in ) felt it increased security, one per cent () said it decreased security and per cent () said it had no effect. Finland s participation in organising the European Union s defence cooperation; per cent () said it increased security, four per cent () said it decreased security and per cent () said it had no impact. Finland s membership in the European union; per cent () felt it increased security, nine per cent () said it decreased security and per cent () said it had no effect. Finland s increasing international economic interaction; per cent () said it had a positive effect on security, six per cent () felt the effect was negative and per cent () felt it had no impact at all. Finland s participation in international crisis management duties; per cent () felt it increased security, per cent () felt it decreased security and per cent () felt it had no effect.

21 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Finland s military non-alignment; per cent () felt it had a positive impact, per cent felt () felt the impact was negative and per cent () felt it had no impact. Finland s possible NATO membership; per cent () said would increase security, per cent () felt it would decrease security and per cent () felt it would have no effect on security. Increasing share of foreign ownership in the Finnish economy; eight per cent () felt it increased security; per cent () felt it had a decreasing effect and () felt it had no impact. (Figures,, and ) The European Union, the UN and the OSCE have positive effects on Finland s security Interviewees were asked to assess the effects of the EU, the OSCE, China, NATO, Russia, the United States and the UN on Finland s security. The question was asked for the seventh time this year, and for the first time, respondents felt that the European Union had a more positive impact on Finland s security than the UN. Respondents views on the impact of both the EU and the UN have become more positive since last year. When asked if the European Union had a positive effect on Finland s security, per cent ( in ) agreed with the statement, while per cent () felt it did not impact security at all and per cent () felt the impact was both positive and negative. Five per cent () viewed the European Union s impact as negative. When asked about the effects of the United Nations (UN) on Finland s security, per cent ( in ) said they were positive. One fifth of respondents, or per cent (), felt the UN had no impact on Finland s security, while eight per cent () felt the impact was both positive and negative, and one per cent () viewed it as negative. When asked about the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe OSCE, per cent ( in ) felt it had a positive impact on Finland s security, while one fifth or per cent () did not see any impact and per cent () felt its impact was both positive and negative.

22 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Regarding the effects of NATO on Finland s security, per cent ( in ) felt they were negative, per cent () viewed them as both positive and negative and per cent () felt they were positive. A total of per cent ( in ) felt NATO had no impact on Finland s security. When asked about the impact of the United States on Finland s security, per cent of respondents ( in ) felt it was both positive and negative, per cent () viewed it as negative, per cent () viewed it as positive and per cent () did not feel the United States had any impact on Finland s security. Concerning the impact of Russia, per cent of respondents ( in ) viewed it as negative, per cent () felt it was both positive and negative, per cent () viewed it as positive and per cent () felt Russia had no impact on Finland s security. Just over one third of respondents, or per cent ( in ), felt that China had no impact on the security of Finland, while per cent () viewed its impact as both positive and negative. Sixteen per cent () felt China had a negative impact and per cent () felt its impact was positive. (Figures and ) Decreased confidence in the management of defence policy Three quarters of respondents, or per cent ( in ), feel Finland s defence policy is managed well, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women taking this view. Eighty-one per cent () of those between and years of age feel this way, as do per cent () of those over years of age, per cent () of those between and and per cent () of respondents younger than. Of the supporters of the Centre Party, per cent ( in ) feel Finland s defence policy is well managed, along with per cent of Coalition Party and SDP supporters ( and, respectively), per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters and per cent () of Left Alliance supporters.

23 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Fourteen per cent ( in ) of respondents feel Finland s defence policy is poorly managed, with per cent () of men and per cent () of women expressing this view. This view was shared by per cent ( in ) of Left Alliance supporters, per cent () of Finns Party supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, seven per cent () of Coalition Party supporters and three per cent () of Centre Party supporters. A total of per cent ( in ), or per cent () of women and ten per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figures and ) Support for export of defence materiel under current regulations This year s survey included a new question about the export of defence materiel manufactured by Finnish companies. Half of respondents, or per cent, felt that the export of defence materiel should continue in line with the current practices and regulations, with per cent of men and per cent of women taking this view. This was the opinion of per cent of Centre Party supporters, per cent of Finns Party supporters, per cent of SDP supporters, per cent of Coalition Party supporters, per cent of Green Party supporters and per cent of Left Alliance supporters. Slightly less than one third, or per cent, feel that the criteria for granting export licences should be stricter, with per cent of women and per cent of men taking this view. Forty-eight per cent of Green Party supporters, per cent of Left Alliance supporters, per cent of Centre Party supporters, per cent of SDP supporters, per cent of Coalition Party supporters and per cent of Finns Party supporters were in favour of stricter criteria. Five per cent of respondents, or eight per cent of men and three per cent of women, felt that all companies should be permitted to export defence materiel. This view

24 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / was shared by per cent of Finns Party supporters, per cent of Coalition Party supporters, eight per cent of Left Alliance supporters, two per cent of Centre Party supporters and one per cent of both SDP and Green party supporters. Six per cent of respondents felt that the export of defence materiel should be prohibited altogether, with seven per cent of women and four per cent of men expressing this view. This opinion was shared by per cent of Left Alliance supporters, nine per cent of SDP supporters, seven per cent of Finns party supporters, two per cent of Coalition Party supporters and one per cent of Centre Party supporters. No Green Party supporters were in favour of prohibiting all defence materiel exports. Nine per cent of respondents, or per cent of women and five per cent of men, had no opinion. (Figures and ) Finland s defence cooperation viewed positively Ninety-five per cent of respondents ( in ) have a positive view on military cooperation with all Nordic countries. Ninety-four per cent () have a positive view on cooperation with Sweden. Nine out of ten respondents, or per cent, have a positive view of Finland s military cooperation with the European Union ( in ). Fifty-five percent () of respondents take a positive view on military cooperation with NATO, while per cent () have a negative view. The same number, fifty-five per cent () of respondents, take a positive view on military cooperation with the United States, while per cent () view it negatively. (Figures,,, and ) Military situation in Finland s surroundings not expected to change The last time the ABDI asked interviewees about the military situation Finland s surroundings over the next ten years was in the survey. Now the question was asked for the seventh time.

25 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Nearly half of respondents, or per cent, feel that the military situation in Finland s surroundings over the next ten year will remain about the same as it is now ( in ), with per cent of men () and per cent () of women taking this view. This opinion was shared by per cent of SDP supporters ( in ), per cent of Coalition Party supporters (), per cent of Finns Party supporters (), per cent of Green Party supporters (), per cent of Centre Party supporters () and per cent of Left Alliance supporters (). Forty-one per cent of respondents ( in ), or per cent () of women and per cent () of men, felt the situation would become more threatening over the next ten years. This view was expressed by per cent of Left Alliance supporters ( in ), per cent of Centre Party supporters (), per cent of Coalition Party supporters, per cent of Green Party supporters (), per cent of Finns Party supporters () and per cent of SDP supporters (). Six per cent of respondents ( in ) felt that the military situation in Finland s surroundings would become less threatening over the next ten years, with nine per cent of men () and four per cent of women () expressing this view. Ten per cent of Finns Party supporters felt this way ( in, along with eight per cent of Centre Party and Left Alliance supporters ( and, respectively), six per cent of Green Party supporters (), five per cent of SDP supporters () and two per cent of Coalition Party supporters (). Four per cent ( in ) had no opinion, with the same figure obtained for both women and men. (Figures and ) Decline in support for increased defence appropriations Forty percent ( in ) of the respondents support increasing defence appropriations, with per cent of men () and per cent of women () expressing this opinion. Sixty-one per cent ( in ) of Finns Party are in favour of increasing appropriations, as are per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, per cent () of

26 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Centre Party supporters, per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters and per cent () of Left Alliance supporters. Forty per cent ( in ) are in favour of keeping defence appropriations at the current level, or per cent () of women and per cent () of men. This view was held by per cent of Centre Party supporters ( in ), per cent () of SDP supporters, per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent () of Coalition Party supporters, () of Left Alliance supporters and per cent () of Finns Party supporters. A total of per cent ( in ) would decrease the amount of defence appropriations, with per cent () of men and nine per cent () of women expressing this view. Thirty-three per cent of Left Alliance supporters ( in ) are in favour of decreasing the amount, along with per cent () of Green Party supporters, per cent of Coalition Party and Finns Party supporters ( and, respectively), six per cent of SDP supporters () and two per cent () of Centre Party supporters. A total of seven per cent ( in ) of respondents, or per cent () of women and four per cent () of men, had no opinion. (Figures and ) Climate change, international terrorism and the global refugee situation cause the greatest concern The ABDI has been asking interviewees about factors causing concern since. The list has varied somewhat, but some of the factors have remained the same every year. A new factor added to this year s survey was fake news reporting directed at Finland. The list consisted of different phenomena or factors. In sum, it can be stated that respondents concerns about nearly all of the factors have increased since the survey. The strongest increase in concern could be seen when interviewees were asked about cyber threats (+), climate change (+) and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (+).

27 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Factors causing much or some concern: Climate change (global warming) per cent ( in ) International terrorism per cent ( in ) The global refugee situation per cent ( in ) Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction per cent ( in ) Political extremist movements per cent ( in ) Threats against information networks (cyber threats) per cent ( in ) Racism per cent ( in ) The situation in the Middle East per cent (the situation in Syria in ) Social inequality in Finland per cent ( in ) The security situation in the Baltic Sea area per cent ( in ) Developments in the United States per cent ( in ) Developments in Russia per cent ( in ) The employment situation in Finland ( in ) State-sponsored fake news reporting directed at Finland per cent (new item in this year s survey) Development in the European Union ( in ) (Figures,,, and )

28 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Research Branch of ABDI in Chair Deputy Chair Members Harriet Lonka, PhD Unto Vesa, Researcher Emeritus Soili Haverinen, Doctoral Student of Theology Anna Jungner-Nordgren, Public Relations Secretary Johanna Kelhu, Parliamentary Secretary, MSocSc Sari Rautio, Director of Unit as of June Lieutenant Colonel Niclas von Bonsdorff, Director, Public Relations and International Affairs as of September Antti Koskela, Expert in Economic Affairs Esko Kurvinen, CEO Anni Lahtinen, Secretary General Juha Mäenpää, Vocational Special Needs Teacher Timo Perälä, Senior Inspector Jussi Salonranta, Analyst Jenna Simula, Parliamentary Assistant, BBA Heli Viiri, Doctor of Agriculture and Forestry, Special Researcher Branch-specific Experts Teija Mankkinen, DSocSc, Head of Research and Development Teemu Tallberg, PhD, Professor of Military Sociology Chairs of the ABDI Chair Deputy Chair Deputy Chair Sofia Vikman, MP Petteri Leino, Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence Markku Pakkanen, MP Secretariat of the ABDI Heli Santala, Secretary General Markus Kinkku, Assistant Secretary General

29 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The will to defend the nation "If Finland were attacked, should Finns, in your opinion, take up arms to defend themselves in all situations, even if the outcome seemed uncertain?" Yes Cannot say No Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

30 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The will to defend the nation "If Finland were attacked, should Finns, in your opinion, take up arms to defend themselves in all situations, even if the outcome seemed uncertain?" Yes Cannot say No Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn December November June October July Autumn Autumn Autumn In the year In the year In the year October April In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year

31 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The will to defend the country (personal level) "If Finland is attacked, would you personally be ready to take part in national defence tasks according to your competences and skills?" Yes Cannot say No Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

32 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The will to defend the country (personal level) "If Finland is attacked, would you personally be ready to take part in national defence tasks according to your competences and skills?" Yes Cannot say No Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn October In the year In the year November

33 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. General conscription "Based on a general, compulsory military service for men, Finnish military defence provides military training for as many of the same age group as possible, thus producing a large reserve personnel. Should the current system be retained or should we change over to a selective conscript service where only a part of the same age group receives military training? Or should we change over to a professional army?" Retain the current system Whole population Reduce selectively the number of those receiving military training Cannot say Abolish general conscription and change over to a professional army Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

34 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. General conscription "Based on a general, compulsory military service for men, Finnish military defence provides military training for as many of the same age group as possible, thus producing a large reserve personnel. Should the current system be retained or should we change over to a selective conscript service where only a part of the same age group receives military training? Or should we change over to a professional army?" Retain the current system Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring Reduce selectively the number of those receiving military training Cannot say Abolish general conscription and change over to a professional army

35 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Finland's defence system "In your view, should Finland's defence system be based on... " The current system with general conscription for men and voluntary military service for women General conscription for both men and women Voluntary military service for both men and women A professional army Cannot say Autumn Autumn The current system with general conscription for men and voluntary military service for women Whole population General conscription for both men and women Voluntary military service for both men and women A professional army Cannot say Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

36 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. General civic service "Finland is instituting a general civic service for both men and women. The civic service could be completed as military or non-military service" Positive Cannot say Negative Autumn Autumn Autumn Positive Cannot say Negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

37 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The conduct of Finnish foreign policy "In your opinion, how well or how poorly has Finnish foreign policy been conducted in recent years?" Whole population Extremely well Fairly well Cannot say Fairly poorly Extremely poorly Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

38 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The conduct of Finnish foreign policy "In your opinion, how well or how poorly has Finnish foreign policy been conducted in recent years?" Well Cannot say Poorly Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring December July November June October In the year In the year November June In the year In the year In the year In the year December May In the year In the year In the year November January In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year

39 "If Finland is attacked, would you personally be ready to take part in national defence tasks according to your competences and skills?" Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn October In the year In the year November Yes Cannot say No FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Military alignment or non-alignment "In your opinion, should Finland remain militarily non-aligned or should Finland aim to ally itself militarily?" Remain non-aligned Cannot say Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

40 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Military alignment or non-alignment "In your opinion, should Finland remain militarily non-aligned or should Finland aim to ally itself militarily?" Remain non-aligned Cannot say Aim to ally itself Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring December July November June October July In the year In the year

41 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Nato membership "In your opinion, should Finland seek membership in Nato?" Yes Cannot say No Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

42 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Nato membership "In your opinion, should Finland seek membership in Nato?" Yes Cannot say No Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

43 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Confidence in the future of the European Union "What kind of confidence do you have in the future of the European Union? In the last two years, has your confidence been strengthened, weakened or has it remained the same?" Strengthened Remained the same Cannot say Weakened Autumn Autumn Autumn Strengthened Remained the same Cannot say Weakened Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

44 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. A more secure or more insecure future "Considering the present world situation as a whole, do you believe that during the next five years Finland and Finns will live in a safer or in a less safe world compared to the present?" Safer No difference to the present Cannot say Less safe Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

45 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. A more secure or more insecure future "Considering the present world situation as a whole, do you believe that during the next five years Finland and Finns will live in a safer or in a less safe world compared to the present?" Safer No difference to the present Cannot say Less safe Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring In the year In the year In the year Autumn Autumn November June October May November April November April October May October May

46 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Factors affecting security "How do you assess the following phenomena and factors? How do they affect the security of Finland and Finns?" Increases security Has no effect Cannot say Lessens security Finland's participation in Nordic defence cooperation Finland participates in the common defence of the EU Finland s membership in the EU Finland s economic cooperation increases internationally The participation of Finnish troops in crisis-management tasks Finland s military non-alignment Finland s possible membership in Nato Increase of foreign ownership in Finland's economy

47 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Factors affecting security (I) "How do you assess the following phenomena and factors? How do they affect the security of Finland and Finns?" Increases security Has no effect Finland's participation in Nordic defence cooperation Cannot say Lessens security Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Finland participates in the common defence of the EU Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Finland s membership in the EU Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

48 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Factors affecting security (II) "How do you assess the following phenomena and factors? How do they affect the security of Finland and Finns?" Increases security Has no effect Cannot say Finland s economic cooperation increases internationally Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn The participation of Finnish troops in crisis-management tasks* Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Finland s military non-alignment Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Lessens security *) - The participation of Finnish troops in crisis-management tasks in war zones

49 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Factors affecting security (III) "How do you assess the following phenomena and factors? How do they affect the security of Finland and Finns?" Increases security Has no effect Cannot say Lessens security Finland s possible membership in Nato Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Increase of foreign ownership in Finland's economy Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

50 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The impact of various factors on Finland's security "How do you assess the impact of the following factors on Finland's security?" Positive effect No effect Cannot say Negative effect Both positive and negative effects The EU The UN OSCE Nato USA Russia China

51 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The impact of various factors on Finland's security "How do you assess the impact of the following factors on Finland's security?" Positive effect The EU Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn The UN Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn OSCE Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Nato Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn USA Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Russia Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn China Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn No effect Cannot say Negative effect Both positive and negative effects

52 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The conduct of defence policy in Finland "In your opinion, how well or how poorly has Finland s defence policy been conducted in recent years?" Extremely well Fairly well Cannot say Fairly poorly Extremely poorly Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

53 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The conduct of defence policy in Finland "In your opinion, how well or how poorly has Finland s defence policy been conducted in recent years?" Extremely well Fairly well Cannot say Fairly poorly Extremely poorly Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

54 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Export of defence material "Which of the following alternatives reflects best your view on the exports of defence material by Finnish companies?" Export of defence material should take place in accordance with the current practice and regulations Criteria for granting export licences should be tightened Export of defence material should be entirely banned Export of defence material should be permitted anywhere Cannot say

55 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Export of defence material "Which of the following alternatives reflects best your view on the exports of defence material by Finnish companies?" Export of defence material should be permitted anywhere Export of defence material should take place in accordance with the current practice and regulations Cannot say Criteria for granting export licences should be tightened Export of defence material should be entirely banned Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

56 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Military cooperation "Finland conducts military cooperation with Sweden, other Nordic countries, Nato and the European Union. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative With all Nordic countries Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn With Sweden Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn In the European Union Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn With Nato Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn With the United States Autumn Autumn

57 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Military cooperation with all Nordic countries "Finland conducts military cooperation with all Nordic countries. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns PS Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

58 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Military cooperation with Sweden "Finland conducts military cooperation with Sweden. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

59 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Military cooperation in the European Union "Finland conducts military cooperation with the European union. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

60 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Military cooperation with Nato "Finland conducts military cooperation with Nato. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

61 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Military cooperation with the United States "Finland conducts military cooperation with the United States. What is your view on cooperation?" Very positive Rather positive Cannot say Rather negative Very negative Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

62 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. The military situation in Finland s near environs "What is your estimate of the military situation in Finland s near environs during the next decade?" Less threatening More or less the same Cannot say More threatening Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

63 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. The military situation in Finland s near environs "What is your estimate of the military situation in Finland s near environs during the next decade?" Less threatening More or less the same Cannot say More threatening Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn

64 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Defence appropriations "What is your opinion on funds allocated to the Defence Forces?" Raised significantly Raised somewhat Remain at present level Cannot say Decreased somewhat Decreased significantly Whole population Women Men Under years - years - years - years Lower education Post-secondary University Working class Salaried emp./self-emp./ Management Under - Over South Finland West Finland East Finland/Oulu/Lapland Centre Party The Finns Coalition Party Social Democratic P. Green League Left Alliance Other parties

65 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Defence appropriations "What is your opinion on funds allocated to the Defence Forces?" Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Spring December November October July In the year In the year November June October May October April In the year October April In the year In the year December April In the year January December In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year In the year Should be raised Remain at present level Cannot say Should be decreased

66 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Factors causing concern among the citizens "How would you assess the following phenomena and actors? To what extent do they make you worry about the future?" A lot To some extent Cannot say A little Not at all Climate change (global warming) International terrorism The refugee situation in the world Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction Politically extremist movements Threats, in other words cyber threats against information networks Racism Situation in the Middle East Social inequality in Finland Security situation in the Baltic Sea area Development in the United States The employment situation in Finland Development in Russia State-sponsored fake news reporting directed at Finland Development of the European Union

67 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Factors causing concern among the citizens (I) "How would you assess the following phenomena and actors? To what extent do they make you worry about the future?" To some A lot extent Climate change (global warming)* Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn International terrorism Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn The refugee situation in the world Autumn Autumn Cannot say A little Not at all *) - Global warming

68 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Factors causing concern among the citizens (II) "How would you assess the following phenomena and actors? To what extent do they make you worry about the future?" To some Cannot A lot extent say Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Politically extremist movements Autumn Autumn Threats, in other words cyber threats against information networks** Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn A little **) - Cyber threats against information networks Not at all

69 FINN`S OPINIONS ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY Figure. Factors causing concern among the citizens (III) "How would you assess the following phenomena and actors? To what extent do they make you worry about the future?" A lot To some extent Cannot say A little Not at all Racism Autumn Autumn Situation in the Middle East Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Social inequality in Finland Autumn Autumn Security situation in the Baltic Sea area Autumn Autumn Development in the United States Autumn Autumn

70 ABDI BULLETINS AND REPORTS NOVEMBER / Figure. Factors causing concern among the citizens (IV) "How would you assess the following phenomena and actors? To what extent do they make you worry about the future?" A lot To some extent Cannot say A little Not at all The employment situation in Finland Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Development in Russia Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn Autumn State-sponsored fake news reporting directed at Finland Autumn Development of the European Union Autumn Autumn

71

72 The Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI) Set up by the Government, the Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI) is a permanent Parliamentary Committee, which administratively functions in the Ministry of Defence. In addition to parliamentary members, ABDI s members represent various expert organisations: the Prime Minister s Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education and Culture, Defence Command Finland, Finnish Broadcasting Company, Finnish News Agency (STT), Union of Journalists in Finland, Finnish Media Federation, National Defence University, and Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI). ABDI investigates, on an annual basis, the opinions and attitudes of Finns towards security policy and the factors influencing them and conducts at least one extensive survey that covers the entire adult population in Finland. The questions cover foreign and security policy and national defence. Some of the questions represent a continuous sequence since the s. The surveys by ABDI are in the public domain and accessible to all. The Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI) Ministry of Defence BP HELSINKI